Belize | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/belize
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2018Thu, 22 Feb 2018 04:37:56 GMT2018-02-22T04:37:56Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2018The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
'Coral bleaching is getting worse ... but the biggest problem is pollution'https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/27/coral-bleaching-is-getting-worse-but-the-biggest-problem-is-pollution
<p>Conservationists are battling to save the 700-mile Mesoamerican Barrier Reef in the Caribbean suffering the effects of mass tourism and global warming </p><ul><li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/27/i-have-a-lot-of-enemies-the-honduran-marine-park-rangers-facing-death-threats">‘I have a lot of enemies’: the Honduran marine park rangers facing death threats</a><br></li></ul><p>The <a href="http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20141128-the-other-great-barrier-reef">Mesoamerican Barrier Reef</a> is the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere – an underwater wilderness stretching over 700 miles along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras.</p><p>One of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the Americas, the reef is home to a dazzling variety of coral and more than 500 species of fish, and provides a livelihood for more than a million people. But now, a combination of mass tourism and poor waste management has left the reef increasingly vulnerable to climate change, placing this natural wonder in serious trouble. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/22/belize-coral-reefs-improving-grassroots-restoration">Spectacular rebirth of Belize's coral reefs threatened by tourism and development</a> </p><p>The increase in waste acts as a ​​fertiliser to macroalgae, a fleshy algae ​​that competes with and kills the corals</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/05/oceans-under-greatest-threat-in-history-warns-sir-david-attenborough">Oceans under greatest threat in history, warns Sir David Attenborough</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/27/coral-bleaching-is-getting-worse-but-the-biggest-problem-is-pollution">Continue reading...</a>CoralOceansClimate changeEnvironmentMarine lifeWildlifeMexicoAmericasWorld newsPollutionBelizeUK newsWed, 27 Dec 2017 10:30:15 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/27/coral-bleaching-is-getting-worse-but-the-biggest-problem-is-pollutionPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoOscar Lopez2017-12-27T10:30:15ZSpectacular rebirth of Belize's coral reefs threatened by tourism and developmenthttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/22/belize-coral-reefs-improving-grassroots-restoration
<p>Report reveals improvement but also details danger posed by tourist-generated pollution, oil extraction and climate change</p><p>Just below the surface of the turquoise sea, coral flutters majestically amid schools of puffed up porcupinefish and fluorescent blue and yellow angelfish.</p><p>The gangly staghorn and fanning elkhorn corals are thriving in swimming distance of Laughing Bird Caye, a tiny Caribbean sandy islet in southern <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/belize">Belize</a>, thanks to a restoration project that is yielding striking results.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/20/mexico-launches-pioneering-scheme-to-insure-its-coral-reef">Mexico launches pioneering scheme to insure its coral reef</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/11/countries-with-coral-reefs-must-do-more-on-climate-change-unesco">Countries with coral reefs must do more on climate change – Unesco</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/22/belize-coral-reefs-improving-grassroots-restoration">Continue reading...</a>CoralBelizeAmericasEnvironmentMarine lifeWildlifeWorld newsTue, 22 Aug 2017 05:00:13 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/22/belize-coral-reefs-improving-grassroots-restorationPhotograph: Fragments of Hope/Lisa CarnePhotograph: Fragments of Hope/Lisa CarneNina Lakhani in Laughing Bird Caye, Belize2017-08-22T05:00:13ZCentral America's refugee crisis fuels anti-Hispanic backlash in neighborly Belizehttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/31/belize-central-america-refugees-immigration
<p>The country was once a haven for victims of outside violence, but the government has recently taken a hardline approach that leaves many in constant fear of deportation</p><p>A pair of young farmhands wait for a ride at an idle junction under a coconut palm on a blistering day in south Belize. A short drive east is a fishing village of Garifunas – mixed-race descendants of African slaves and indigenous Arawaks – while along the highway to the west are clusters of Mayan thatched huts.</p><p>It’s too hot to walk the few miles to Bella Vista, a dusty Spanish-speaking migrant community whose inhabitants mostly work in the surrounding banana plantations and shrimp farms – part of the steady flow of seasonal labourers from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, drawn here by higher wages and plentiful work. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/13/central-america-violence-refugee-crisis-gangs-murder">Central America's rampant violence fuels an invisible refugee crisis</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/31/belize-central-america-refugees-immigration">Continue reading...</a>BelizeRefugeesMigrationAmericasWorld newsWed, 31 May 2017 09:00:20 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/31/belize-central-america-refugees-immigrationPhotograph: Nina Lakhani for the GuardianPhotograph: Nina Lakhani for the GuardianNina Lakhani in Bella Vista2017-05-31T09:00:20ZBelize's American manager: Richard Orlowski's long route to Central Americahttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/07/belize-coach-richard-orlowski-american
<p>A 59-year-old Pennsylvanian has made a home in an obscure corner of the international soccer orbit</p><p>It probably wasn’t the introduction Richard Orlowski was expecting. Not long installed as the new manager of Belize’s national team, he took a squad of players assembled from local teams like Police United to duke it out with their Central American neighbors for the regional title. The countries that make up the sliver of Concacaf territory between Mexico and the top of South America is not exactly a haven of world beaters. But for many on the isthmus soccer is religion, and Costa Rica has lately given the region a respected focal point. If there is a Central American soccer pecking order, Belize is usually at or near the bottom.</p><p><em>“I saw the match Belize played against Panama, and honestly, if I am the coach of Belize, excuse me and forgive me for saying this, but I am going from the hotel to my house.” </em></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/oct/22/from-queens-to-kathmandu-a-new-yorkers-two-year-stint-as-nepals-coach">From Queens to Kathmandu: a New Yorker's two-year stint as Nepal's coach</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/07/belize-coach-richard-orlowski-american">Continue reading...</a>FootballBelizeSportUS sportsTue, 07 Mar 2017 11:00:40 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/07/belize-coach-richard-orlowski-americanPhotograph: Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty ImagesBryan Kay2017-03-07T11:00:40ZThere are reasons to be cheerful ... LGBTI rights gains in unlikely countries | Peter Tatchellhttps://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2017/feb/20/lgbti-rights-gains-unlikely-countries
<p>Iraq, Tunisia and Lebanon have recently made progressive steps forward in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex human rights</p><p>In the last 12 months, Martin Luther King’s “arc of the moral universe” has bent towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) human rights.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/live/2017/feb/15/live-chat-with-peter-tatchell-what-can-we-do-to-support-lgbti-rights-around-the-world">Live chat with Peter Tatchell: what can we do to support LGBTI rights around the world? Mon 20 Feb, 2-3.30pm</a> </p><p>Homosexuality remains criminalised in 36 out of the 52 Commonwealth member states</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/feb/08/global-outlook-lgbti-rights">Where are we now? The global outlook for LGBTI rights</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2017/feb/20/lgbti-rights-gains-unlikely-countries">Continue reading...</a>Working in developmentLGBT rightsWorld newsUnited NationsInequalityHuman rightsCommonwealth summitLawSocietyIraqTunisiaBotswanaMaltaTransgenderPakistanBoliviaVietnamPhilippinesLebanonMalaysiaChileChadGuatemalaTaiwanColombiaBosnia-HerzegovinaSloveniaGreeceIndiaSeychellesBelizeNauruSouth and Central AsiaMiddle East and North AfricaEuropeAsia PacificAmericasAfricaMon, 20 Feb 2017 10:05:59 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2017/feb/20/lgbti-rights-gains-unlikely-countriesPhotograph: Raul Arboleda/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Raul Arboleda/AFP/Getty ImagesPeter Tatchell2017-02-20T10:05:59ZMaya tomb uncovered holding body, treasure and tales of 'snake dynasty'https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/aug/06/maya-snake-dynasty-tomb-belize-ruins
<ul><li>Find is ‘one of the largest burial chambers ever discovered in Belize’</li><li>Hieroglyphic panels, skeleton and offerings hidden for 1,300 years</li></ul><p>Archaeologists have uncovered what may be the largest royal tomb found in more than a century of work on Maya ruins in Belize, along with a puzzling set of hieroglyphic panels that provide clues to a “snake dynasty” that conquered many of its neighbors some 1,300 years ago.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/24/liquid-mercury-mexican-pyramid-teotihuacan">Liquid mercury found under Mexican pyramid could lead to king's tomb</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/03/great-blue-hole-belize-clues-fall-mayan-civilisation">Great Blue Hole off Belize yields new clues to fall of Mayan civilisation</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/aug/06/maya-snake-dynasty-tomb-belize-ruins">Continue reading...</a>ArchaeologyScienceBelizeAmericasWorld newsSun, 07 Aug 2016 21:02:40 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/aug/06/maya-snake-dynasty-tomb-belize-ruinsPhotograph: Jaime AwePhotograph: Jaime AweAlan Yuhas in San Francisco2016-08-07T21:02:40ZTropical storm Earl bears down on Mexico after tearing through Belizehttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/04/hurricane-earl-belize-mexico-guatemala
<p>Storm makes landfall in Belize City with 80mph winds and heavy rains as evacuations begin ahead of expected arrival on Mexico and Guatemala coasts</p><p>Hurricane Earl was downgraded to a tropical storm on Thursday after slamming into the coast of the Caribbean nation of Belize with winds of 80mph and moving inland over Guatemala and Mexico with heavy rains.</p><p>Earl made landfall as a category 1 hurricane near Belize City and was moving roughly westward, the US National Hurricane Center (USNHC) said. As it crossed northern Guatemala, Earl had sustained winds near 65mph. It was expected to continue weakening to a tropical depression by Thursday night or Friday morning.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/04/hurricane-earl-belize-mexico-guatemala">Continue reading...</a>BelizeHurricanesAmericasNatural disasters and extreme weatherWorld newsGuatemalaMexicoThu, 04 Aug 2016 14:46:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/04/hurricane-earl-belize-mexico-guatemalaPhotograph: Henry Romero/ReutersPhotograph: Henry Romero/ReutersAssocated Press in Belmopan, Belize2016-08-04T14:46:03ZStorm upgraded to Hurricane Earl as it threatens Belize and Hondurashttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/03/belize-honduras-tropical-storm-earl-nears-hurricane-force
<ul><li>Two-day red alert issued in Honduras’s Bay Islands after boat capsizes</li><li>Belize closes airport, cancels cruise ship calls and closes tourist attractions</li></ul><p>Tropical storm Earl has been upgraded to a hurricane as it bears down on the coast of Central America, threatening flash floods and mudslides in parts of Belize, Honduras, Guatemala and the Yucatán peninsula of Mexico.</p><p>The US National Hurricane Center in Miami said Earl had top sustained winds on Wednesday of 75mph (120kph). It was moving west at 14mph toward Belize and was about 150 miles (240km) east of Belize City.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/03/belize-honduras-tropical-storm-earl-nears-hurricane-force">Continue reading...</a>Natural disasters and extreme weatherBelizeHondurasMexicoWorld newsAmericasWed, 03 Aug 2016 21:37:51 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/03/belize-honduras-tropical-storm-earl-nears-hurricane-forcePhotograph: Jorge Cabrera/ReutersPhotograph: Jorge Cabrera/ReutersStaff and agencies2016-08-03T21:37:51ZTropical Storm Earl bears down on Mexico, Belize and Hondurashttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/02/tropical-storm-earl-mexico-belize-honduras
<ul><li>At least six deaths reported in Dominican Republic</li><li>Wind, rainfall and rising seas present ‘triple threat’, say US meteorologists</li></ul><p>The governments of Mexico, Belize and Honduras have issued storm warnings as a weather system that has already caused at least six deaths was designated a tropical storm by the US National Hurricane Center. </p><p>Tropical Storm Earl intensified on Tuesday, and is expected to move west, hammering parts of Central America with strong winds and heavy rain.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/05/hurricanes-texas-undocumented-immigrants">Hurricane season brings heightened threat to undocumented immigrants</a> </p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A Hurricane Watch &amp; Tropical Storm Warning have been issued for Belize &amp; portions of the Yucatan Peninsula <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Earl?src=hash">#Earl</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fmyp2Hfmgx">pic.twitter.com/Fmyp2Hfmgx</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/02/tropical-storm-earl-mexico-belize-honduras">Continue reading...</a>Natural disasters and extreme weatherAmericasMexicoBelizeHondurasWorld newsHurricanesTue, 02 Aug 2016 21:22:52 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/02/tropical-storm-earl-mexico-belize-hondurasPhotograph: HANDOUT/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: HANDOUT/AFP/Getty ImagesNicole Puglise2016-08-02T21:22:52ZBelize offshore secrecy ill at ease with UK politics and US authoritieshttps://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/aug/02/belize-offshore-secrecy-ill-at-ease-with-uk-politics-and-us-authorities
<p>How US tax inspectors fear firms and individuals are using Lord Ashcroft’s bank to hide assets and evade tax<br></p><p> It was a <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pms-speech-to-the-jamaican-parliament">stern message David Cameron took with him</a> on his visit to the Caribbean last September: “If we’re to beat corruption, we need transparency.” And some in the region – he did not name them – could do better.</p><p> “If we want to break the business model of people stealing money and hiding it in places where it can’t be seen: transparency is the answer.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/aug/02/belize-offshore-secrecy-ill-at-ease-with-uk-politics-and-us-authorities">Continue reading...</a>Tax avoidanceLord AshcroftDavid CameronConservativeHomeConservativesUS taxationUS newsWorld newsPoliticsCorporate governanceBusinessUK newsTheresa MayBelizeTax havensAmericasTue, 02 Aug 2016 16:07:51 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/aug/02/belize-offshore-secrecy-ill-at-ease-with-uk-politics-and-us-authoritiesPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoSimon Bowers2016-08-02T16:07:51ZLord Ashcroft's Belize bank hit by wave of withdrawalshttps://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/aug/02/lord-ashcrofts-belize-bank-hit-wave-withdrawals-bbi
<p>Value of deposits falls by 75% in six months as Belize Bank International gets caught up in US tax-evasion crackdown </p><p>An offshore bank owned by Tory donor Lord Ashcroft has closed a large number of customer accounts and faced a wave of withdrawal requests after becoming increasingly caught up in a US tax-evasion crackdown, the Guardian has learned.</p><p>The value of deposits at Belize Bank International (BBI) shrank by almost three-quarters in the space of just six months, and confidential emails seen by the Guardian suggest some BBI customers have struggled to recover their cash.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/aug/02/belize-offshore-secrecy-ill-at-ease-with-uk-politics-and-us-authorities">Belize offshore secrecy ill at ease with UK politics and US authorities</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/aug/02/lord-ashcrofts-belize-bank-hit-wave-withdrawals-bbi">Continue reading...</a>Tax avoidanceBusinessBelizeLord AshcroftAmericasPoliticsUK newsWorld newsBankingBank of AmericaUS taxationUS newsTax havensCorporate governanceTue, 02 Aug 2016 16:07:34 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/aug/02/lord-ashcrofts-belize-bank-hit-wave-withdrawals-bbiPhotograph: Absolute BelizePhotograph: Absolute BelizeSimon Bowers2016-08-02T16:07:34ZGuatemalan troops mass near Belize border after shooting incidenthttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/22/guatemalan-troops-mass-belize-border-shooting-incident
<ul><li>Guatemalan boy, 13, killed after Belize says its forces ‘fired on’ in border area</li><li>Guatemala decries ‘cowardly and excessive attack’ by Belizean military</li></ul><p>The tiny Central American country of <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/belize">Belize</a> has accused its larger neighbour Guatemala of “amassing” troops along the two countries’ border following the death of a 13-year-old boy in a shooting incident apparently involving Belizean soldiers.</p><p>Guatemala responded on Friday with a scathing statement lamenting the Belizean military’s “aggressive attitude”, saying its “acts of violence” were hurting bilateral relations.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/22/guatemalan-troops-mass-belize-border-shooting-incident">Continue reading...</a>BelizeGuatemalaWorld newsAmericasFri, 22 Apr 2016 20:34:18 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/22/guatemalan-troops-mass-belize-border-shooting-incidentPhotograph: GUATEMALA ARMY / HANDOUT/EPAPhotograph: GUATEMALA ARMY / HANDOUT/EPAAssociated Press in Guatemala City2016-04-22T20:34:18Z13 steps to greater LGBT equalityhttps://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/feb/16/13-steps-to-greater-lgbt-equality
<p>LGBT activists have reached significant milestones over the the past few years. How can they achieve more? <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/feb/04/live-qa-how-is-progress-on-lgbt-rights-achieved">Our expert panel</a> had these ideas</p><p>Years ago we started to build leadership capacity among the LGBT community. Now we have five LGBT-led groups and one sex worker group that have come together to reflect on how to push forward rights defence and protection concerns. When we started, there was just UniBAM. <em>Caleb Orozco, LGBT human rights advocate, <a href="http://unibam.org/">United Belizean Advocacy Movement (UniBam)</a>, Belize City, Belize, <a href="https://twitter.com/UNIBAMSupport">@UNIBAMSupport</a></em></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/feb/09/bisi-alimi-on-lgbt-rights-in-nigeria-it-may-take-60-years-but-we-have-to-start-now">Bisi Alimi on LGBT rights in Nigeria: 'It may take 60 years, but we have to start now'</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/feb/13/its-time-to-create-a-world-that-recognises-the-rights-of-transgender-people">It's time to create a world that recognises the rights of transgender people</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/feb/12/seven-videos-that-will-give-you-hope-about-lgbti-rights-around-the-world">Seven videos that will give you hope about LGBTI rights around the world</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/feb/10/intersex-human-rights-lgbti-chile-argentina-uganda-costa-rica">Is the world finally waking up to intersex rights?</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/feb/16/13-steps-to-greater-lgbt-equality">Continue reading...</a>Working in developmentBelizeNepalSri LankaLGBT rightsTransgenderBusinessMediaLawHuman rightsPhilippinesTue, 16 Feb 2016 15:46:35 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/feb/16/13-steps-to-greater-lgbt-equalityPhotograph: Noel Celis/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Noel Celis/AFP/Getty ImagesAnna Leach2016-02-16T15:46:35ZChicago ABC7 news executive found dead in Belize was strangledhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/16/news-executive-found-dead-belize-strangled
<ul><li>American tourist Anne Swaney was vacationing at a resort<br></li><li>Unidentified man questioned but denies any involvement in her death</li></ul><p>An autopsy on the body of an American tourist found dead in western Belize has determined that she was strangled.</p><p>The post-mortem report prepared by Dr Leyden Ken said Anne Swaney was killed by “asphyxia due to compression of the neck area, throttling and blunt force traumatic injuries to the head and neck”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/16/news-executive-found-dead-belize-strangled">Continue reading...</a>BelizeUS newsSat, 16 Jan 2016 18:16:14 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/16/news-executive-found-dead-belize-strangledPhotograph: InstagramPolice say members of a tour group Anne Swaney should have been part of returned to the resort and couldn’t find her.Photograph: InstagramPolice say members of a tour group Anne Swaney should have been part of returned to the resort and couldn’t find her.Associated Press in Belize City2016-01-16T18:16:14ZCentral American countries agree airlift of Cuban migrants seeking to enter UShttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/dec/30/central-american-countries-agree-airlift-of-cuban-migrants-seeking-to-enter-us
<ul><li>More than 40,000 Cubans have entered US this year after diplomatic thaw </li><li>Airlift will leapfrog Nicaragua which refuses to admit Cuban migrants</li></ul><p>A massive airlift of refugees will begin in Central America next week after regional countries agreed to help thousands of stranded Cubans<strong> </strong>who have been driven by the threat of normalised relations to migrate to the United States.<br></p><p>Fears that talks between Washington and Havana may soon curtail favourable US migration policies have prompted the biggest rush from the Caribbean island since the “<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/10/cuban-migrant-fears-us-immigration-policy">raft exodus</a>” of 1994. More than 40,000 Cubans have entered the US this year, almost double the number in 2014. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/10/cuban-migrant-fears-us-immigration-policy">Cubans risking their lives en route to US as thaw triggers immigration policy fears</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/29/el-salvador-children-journey-us">Driven by fear: the Salvadorean children sent on the perilous journey to the US</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/dec/30/central-american-countries-agree-airlift-of-cuban-migrants-seeking-to-enter-us">Continue reading...</a>CubaUS immigrationUS newsCosta RicaWorld newsAmericasPanamaEl SalvadorHondurasBelizeMexicoEcuadorWed, 30 Dec 2015 22:10:13 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/dec/30/central-american-countries-agree-airlift-of-cuban-migrants-seeking-to-enter-usPhotograph: Marcelino Rosario/EPAPhotograph: Marcelino Rosario/EPAJonathan Watts Latin America correspondent2015-12-30T22:10:13ZInto the light: how lidar is replacing radar as the archaeologist’s map tool of choicehttps://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jun/20/lidar-radar-archaeology-central-america
A technology using rapid pulses of light is helping archaeologists to chart ancient settlements hidden beneath dense forest canopies<p>Colorado State University archaeologist Chris Fisher found out about lidar in 2009. He was surveying the ruins of <a href="http://www.ancient-origins.net/angamuco" title="">Angamuco</a> in west-central Mexico the traditional way, with a line of grad students and assistants walking carefully while looking at the ground for bits of ceramics, the remains of an old foundation or even a tomb.</p><p>He had expected to find a settlement, but instead he happened upon a major city of the <a href="http://www.houstonculture.org/mexico/michoacan.html" title="">Purepecha empire</a>, rivals of the Aztecs in the centuries immediately preceding the Spanish conquest of Mexico in 1519.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jun/20/lidar-radar-archaeology-central-america">Continue reading...</a>ArchaeologyMapping technologiesScienceTechnologyBelizeMexicoSat, 20 Jun 2015 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jun/20/lidar-radar-archaeology-central-americaPhotograph: /Caracol Archaeological Project, University of Central FloridaFrom the ground, structures in the dense Belize jungle were hard to map, but airborne lidar devices revealed details of a site that covered 77 square miles with agricultural terraces everywhere. Photograph: Caracol Archaeological Project, University of Central FloridaPhotograph: /Caracol Archaeological Project, University of Central FloridaFrom the ground, structures in the dense Belize jungle were hard to map, but airborne lidar devices revealed details of a site that covered 77 square miles with agricultural terraces everywhere. Photograph: Caracol Archaeological Project, University of Central FloridaGuy Gugliotta for the Washington Post2015-06-20T09:00:00ZBelize plan to allow offshore drilling threatens Great Blue Hole, say criticshttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/10/belize-offshore-drilling-great-blue-hole
<ul><li>New regulations would allow oil and gas exploration in 99% of Belize’s waters</li><li>Environmentalists fear drilling could damage world’s second-biggest reef</li></ul><p>The government of Belize is considering new regulations that would allow offshore drilling in 99% of its territorial waters, a move which environmental groups say would threaten the second-largest coral reef in the world.</p><p>The draft regulations would allow companies to undertake offshore exploration for oil and gas near the Great Blue Hole, an astonishing submarine sinkhole that was named a Unesco world heritage site in 1996. The 124-metre sinkhole is visible from space, and was named by Jacques Cousteau as one of the world’s top 10 dive destinations.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/03/great-blue-hole-belize-clues-fall-mayan-civilisation">Great Blue Hole off Belize yields new clues to fall of Mayan civilisation</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/14/mayan-pyramid-bulldozed-road-construction">Mayan pyramid bulldozed by road construction firm</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/10/belize-offshore-drilling-great-blue-hole">Continue reading...</a>BelizeAmericasWorld newsOilGasFossil fuelsEnvironmentSun, 10 May 2015 12:00:12 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/10/belize-offshore-drilling-great-blue-holePhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyRose Hackman2015-05-10T12:00:12ZReaders recommend: songs from or about Mexico and Central America | Peter Kimptonhttps://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2015/apr/30/readers-recommend-songs-mexico-central-america
<p>Chihuahua down to Yucatan, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador, Belize and Costa Rica, name songs inspired by this potent and passionate cluster of countries<br></p><p><strong>“I would rather die standing than live on my knees.”</strong> </p><p>Emiliano Zapata, leading Mexican revolutionary, 1879-1919.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2015/apr/30/readers-recommend-songs-mexico-central-america">Continue reading...</a>MusicCulturePop and rockWorld musicMexicoSoulReggaeMorrisseyAmericasFilmClint EastwoodEl SalvadorBelizeGuatemalaNicaraguaHondurasPanamaCosta RicaMexican food and drinkLife and styleThe WireMigrationCrime dramaDramaTelevision & radioUS televisionThu, 30 Apr 2015 19:00:10 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2015/apr/30/readers-recommend-songs-mexico-central-americaPhotograph: Omar Torres/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Omar Torres/AFP/Getty ImagesPeter Kimpton2015-04-30T19:00:10ZGreat Blue Hole off Belize yields new clues to fall of Mayan civilisationhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/03/great-blue-hole-belize-clues-fall-mayan-civilisation
<p>Research supports theory that drought and climate conditions reduced Mayans from a regional power to survivors abandoning cities to virtual extinction </p><p><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/mar/04/what-causes-sinkholes-florida-man">What are sinkholes and what causes them?</a><br></p><p>A massive underwater sinkhole surrounded by reefs, caves and sharks has provided archaeologists with clues in the mystery of the fall of the Mayan civilization, according to new research.</p><p>Scientists from Rice University and Louisiana State University found evidence in Belize’s Great Blue Hole, a 400ft-deep cave in a barrier reef, that supports the theory that drought and climate conditions pushed the Mayans from a regional power to a smattering of rival survivors and finally a virtually lost civilization.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/03/great-blue-hole-belize-clues-fall-mayan-civilisation">Continue reading...</a>BelizeAmericasSinkholesNatural disasters and extreme weatherWorld newsDroughtFloodingOceansEnvironmentWaterScienceArchaeologySat, 03 Jan 2015 20:04:27 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/03/great-blue-hole-belize-clues-fall-mayan-civilisationPhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyAlan Yuhas2015-01-03T20:04:27ZCynk sunk: regulators suspend trading in mystery companyhttps://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/jul/11/down-the-cynk-hole-what-lies-behind-the-mystery-tech-company
<p>Financial Industry Regulatory Authority halts trading in tech company with no assets, no revenue and just one employee</p><p>Financial regulators on Friday suspended trading in Cynk, the social networking company with no assets, no revenues and one employee, whose value on the stock market had mysteriously soared to $6bn in a matter of weeks.<br></p><p>Fuelling talk of another dotcom bubble, shares in the until now unknown Belize-based tech firm soared as much as 25,000% from the middle of June before being suspended Friday morning, before trading began. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority halted trading in the company, citing an "extraordinary event.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/jul/11/down-the-cynk-hole-what-lies-behind-the-mystery-tech-company">Continue reading...</a>Stock marketsBelizeBusinessAmericasFri, 11 Jul 2014 14:54:26 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/jul/11/down-the-cynk-hole-what-lies-behind-the-mystery-tech-companyPhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyDominic Rushe in New York2014-07-11T14:54:26Z